Philippians 2:7–8 – “Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” — (NLT)
Imagine for a moment that you have everything—limitless power, perfect peace, unshakable glory, and all the riches of eternity at your fingertips. Now, imagine voluntarily giving it all up. Not for applause or recognition, but out of love—for people who may not love you back.
This is not just a theoretical act of kindness or sacrifice.
This is what Jesus did.
He gave up His divine privileges, not under compulsion, not reluctantly, but willingly. The Creator stepped into His creation. The King traded His crown for a cradle, and eventually, for a cross. And in doing so, He demonstrated a love that is both indescribably beautiful and deeply challenging.
THE HUMBLE DESCENT OF A KING
Jesus didn’t cling to His status. He didn’t use His divinity as a shield to avoid suffering. He chose humility. He chose the path of obedience, even when that path led to shame, torture, and death. The cross was the most disgraceful way to die, reserved for the worst of criminals. And yet, the spotless Son of God endured it, not because He deserved it, but because we did.
The message of Philippians 2 is not just about what Jesus gave up, but also why He did it. He laid down His rights so that He could lift us up. He took on our shame so that we could share in His glory. He bore our sin so that we might become sons and daughters of God.
And because of this radical act of selflessness, God exalted Him—giving Him “the name above all other names” (Philippians 2:9). This wasn’t just a reward; it was a declaration. Jesus’ humiliation became the doorway to His ultimate glorification.
FOLLOWING IN HIS FOOTSTEPS
If you call yourself a follower of Jesus, the implication is clear: follow Him.
Not just in belief, but in practice. Not just in words, but in lifestyle.
The way of Jesus is the way of the cross. It is the daily choice to die to self, to lay aside convenience, comfort, and personal gain, in order to live a life that reflects His sacrificial love.
This “death” doesn’t always mean literal martyrdom, though some are called to that. More often, it’s a quiet, daily surrender:
Choosing to spend time with someone who’s grieving instead of checking out with another episode of your favorite show.
Making space in your schedule to help a single parent, encourage a struggling teen, or simply listen to someone who feels invisible.
Pausing in the chaos of your to-do list to sit with your child, read Scripture with them, or pray with a neighbor in need.
None of these acts may feel heroic. They may go unnoticed. But every time you choose to step away from self-centred living, you are practicing the way of Christ. You are echoing what Jesus did.
EMPOWERED BY HIS SPIRIT
The beautiful truth is that you don’t do this alone. The same Spirit that empowered Jesus to walk in obedience lives in you. God has not only called you to reflect His Son—He has equipped you for it. Every act of love, every choice to serve, every moment you resist the gravitational pull of selfishness is a miracle in motion. It’s the Kingdom breaking into the ordinary.
We live in a world that constantly says, “Look out for yourself. Do what feels good. Protect your time. Guard your energy.” But Jesus calls us to something higher. Something eternal. Something that might cost us everything—yet somehow, gives us even more in return.
SO, WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Will you live like Jesus lived? Will you serve as He served, love as He loved, and surrender as He surrendered? Because of what Jesus did, we can now do what He did. Not to earn His favor – but because we already have it. Not to gain salvation, but to live it out. Our sacrifice may never compare to His, but in every small surrender, we point the world to the One who gave up everything to save it. Amen
LET YOUR LIFE BECOME A LIVING ECHO OF WHAT JESUS DID.
